BREAKING: Council tax relief for floods victims

An estimated 5,000 households and companies forced from their properties by flooding in Cumbria and Lancashire are to be given temporary relief from their council tax and business rates.

The tax waiver was agreed at a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergencies committee in Whitehall, as thousands of people across the north of England and Scotland were clearing up after the devastation caused by Storm Desmond.

Ministers were told that the situation on the ground was improving following the record rainfall seen at the weekend, but that emergency services remain on “high alert” because of the possibility of further wet weather in the days to come.

The Queen has expressed her sympathy to those affected by the devastating flooding caused by Storm Desmond.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the Queen said: “Please convey my sympathy to all those whose homes or livelihoods have been affected by the recent flooding.

“My thanks go to members of the emergency services, local authorities, military personnel and volunteers who are providing assistance in these difficult conditions.”